The Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching today announced its 2026 class of winners, recognizing 10 extraordinary educators across New York City public schools.

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Top Row (Left to Right): Greg Zimdahl, Sean McFadden; Bottom Row (Left to Right): Rachel Mancini, Lisa Lu, Samantha Quiñones, Trevor Charles, Leah Clark, Erika Stafne, Ariel Sacks; Not Pictured: Briana Nieto-Buie

Top Row (Left to Right): Greg Zimdahl, Sean McFadden; Bottom Row (Left to Right): Rachel Mancini, Lisa Lu, Samantha Quiñones, Trevor Charles, Leah Clark, Erika Stafne, Ariel Sacks; Not Pictured: Briana Nieto-Buie

The 2026 Winners of the Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching:

  • Trevor Charles, Queens Collegiate (Queens)

  • Leah Clark, AECI II Charter High School (Bronx)

  • Lisa Lu, Manny Cantor Center (Manhattan)

  • Rachel Mancini, Tottenville High School (Staten Island)

  • Sean McFadden, Eagle Academy for Young Men II (Brooklyn)

  • Briana Nieto-Buie, P.S. 32 (Brooklyn)

  • Samantha Quiñones, School of Math, Science, and Healthy Living (Brooklyn)

  • Ariel Sacks, The Renaissance Charter School Jackson Heights (Queens)

  • Erika Stafne, Independence High School (Manhattan)

  • Greg Zimdahl, The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria (Queens)

Now in its second year, the award saw nominations increase by more than 250% as eligibility expanded citywide to all full-time New York City public school teachers. This year’s winners represented all five boroughs across a range of grades and subject areas. Selected through a rigorous review process, they were recognized for their embodiment of the award’s core values: excellence in instruction, leadership in the school community, innovation and continuous learning, use of evidence and data in teaching, and the ability to foster engagement and a love of learning.

Named in honor of renowned investor and philanthropist Julian Robertson, the Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching was established by Coleman Family Ventures, in partnership with Tiger Foundation, to celebrate and recognize the outstanding educators whose work changes lives every day.

“Teachers give so much of themselves to our children and our city, yet their work is too often overlooked and underrewarded,” said Chase Coleman, Founder of Tiger Global and Coleman Family Ventures. “We created this award to help change that and shine a light on educators whose contributions rarely receive the recognition they deserve. This was a cause Julian cared deeply about, and one that reflected his own belief in the enduring influence of mentorship and community.”

Each winner received an unrestricted cash prize of $20,000 and was honored, alongside their schools, at a celebratory event held in Midtown Manhattan.

The award also recognized a group of exceptional finalists, each of whom received a cash prize of $5,000:

  • Candace Baker, Forte Preparatory Academy Charter School (Queens)

  • Sharon Collins, New Heights Academy Charter School (Manhattan)

  • Isatou Fayinkeh, Brilla Veritas Elementary School (Bronx)

  • Ashley Roldan, Staten Island Hebrew Public Charter School (Staten Island)

  • Lixian Sun, MESA Charter School South Brooklyn (Brooklyn)

  • Jamie Wilen-Spencer, Williamsburg Preparatory High School (Brooklyn)

“Dad believed deeply in the power of extraordinary teachers — the ones who catalyze real student growth and whose efforts help to change outcomes,” said Alex Robertson, Co-Chair of Tiger Foundation and Executive Chairman of Tiger Management. “He understood that our society needs to do far more to recognize and celebrate outstanding educators. We’re proud this award continues to honor New York City teachers who make a difference in classrooms across this city. They are true heroes, deserving of our gratitude and admiration.”

For more information about the Julian Robertson Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 2026-2027 nomination process, please visit julianrobertsonaward.org.

About Coleman Family Ventures

Founded by Chase and Stephanie Coleman, Coleman Family Ventures (CFV) invests in leaders and innovators advancing education, economic mobility, healthcare, and ocean-based climate solutions.

About Tiger Foundation

Founded by Julian Robertson in 1989, Tiger Foundation partners with community-based nonprofits across the five boroughs of New York City that help individuals and families thrive and provides them with financial resources that allow them to build and maintain healthy and strong organizations.

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